Pupil Premium

Important Update on Free School Meals – Changes from September 2026

The Government has recently announced changes to Free School Meal (FSM) eligibility, which will come into effect from September 2026.

What’s changing?
From September 2026, all families receiving Universal Credit will be eligible for Free School Meals, no matter what their household income is.
This change is expected to help over half a million more children across the country.

What do parents need to know?

  • All families will need to reapply for Free School Meals in September 2026, even if your child already receives them now.

  • Transitional Protection, which keeps children eligible even if family circumstances change, will continue until the end of summer term 2026.

  • If your child is found eligible before the end of the 2025/26 school year, they will remain eligible until then. However, Transitional Protection will not continue beyond that date.

Other important information

  • The current FSM eligibility criteria remain unchanged for now.

  • Child Tax Credit and Working Tax Credit ended on 5 April 2025 and can no longer be used to apply for FSM.

  • Families receiving support under the Asylum Seekers Act, the guarantee element of State Pension Credit, or those with No Recourse to Public Funds are not covered by Transitional Protection. If this applies to you, please contact the school for support.

Moving schools?
If your child is transferring to another school, please ensure any eligibility documents are passed on to the new school securely. This helps to make sure Free School Meal provision continues smoothly.

An updated Free School Meals application form for 2025/26 is now available. If you think you may be eligible, or if you have any questions, please contact the school office for support.  The Form can be found below:

FREE SCHOOL MEALS AND PUPIL PREMIUM INFORMATION AND APPLICATION FORM